Renault Captur – Cute and competent SUV

https://soundcloud.com/db_drivenmedia/renault-captur-cute-and-competent-suv

The good news for Renault is that they have just launched a new small SUV onto the market – the Captur

The small SUV segment is the quickest growing SUV segment in Australia with sales up 16.5% in 2014.

The not so good news is that it is an increasing competitive segment.  Nissan Qashqai and Honda HR-V are recent new models in the less than $40,000 part of this market while Lexus NX and the Mercedes GLA-class are recent luxury additions.

In the segment, the top selling Hyundai ix35 sold nearly 18,000 cars last year.

So how does the Renault Captur fit in.  To tell us all about it I have on the line Paul Murrell practicalmotoring.com.au

• It is based on the Cleo Platform
• SUV – very much an Urban Cross Over
• Price
•    Expression (MT TCe90) $22,990
•    Expression (TCe120) $25,990
•    Dynamique (TCe120) $27,990
• Two engines
•    The little one does not have a lot of power or torque 5 speed Manual Transmission – 900 cc 66Kw 135Nm 4.9l/100
•    The next size up 6 speed automatic – 1.2 litres 88Kw 190 Nm 5.4l/100
• Handled like an SUV – lacks the precision of the Clio
• New paint technology
• Two tone paint and colour insets/wheels
• Clever – interesting touch – removable and washable seat covers
• Good room – comfortable in the back
• I like the look – shares new brand identity
• 5 year warranty – 5 year road service
• Equipment level
• Base model Expression
•    Rear view parking camera/sensors
•    Hill start assist
•    Cruise control
•    Remote central locking
•    Stop start technology (on base model only)
•    Digital speedo
•    Climate control air-conditioning
•    7″ touch screen
• Dynamique
•   Cornering function fog lamps
•   Washable and removable seat covers